India Plans to Limit Air Conditioning in Hotels Amid Soaring Heat and Power Demand

As global temperatures rise and warnings mount over soaring aircon demand, India’s move could be just the beginning. More countries may soon be forced to follow with similar limits to keep energy systems from overuse.

India is moving ahead with plans to restrict how cold air conditioners can get and the new rules will apply everywhere from homes and hotels to cars.

At a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Power Minister Manohar Lal said that a national policy is in the works to cap air conditioner temperature settings at both ends: no cooler than 20°C (68°F) and no warmer than 28°C (82°F).

“The minimum will be 20°C and the maximum at 28°C. This is what the new standard will be,” Lal said. “People tell us it s